Just the 3 of us

Tonight was a night that wasn't "supposed" to be, but I'm so thankful that it GOT to be.  Usually, I am at Bible Study on Thursday nights, the 2 little ones are at home with a sitter or Daddy, and the big girls are away.  Tonight, neither babysitter or Daddy was available, and so it was just the three of us.  We decided to have a dinner picnic, set out the necessary utencils, and then proceded to act silly.  I needed to laugh.  I really needed to chill out.  Meredith and Michael provided the entertainment for both and half-way through our pizza, we were all giggling!!  Even though I missed my normal Thursday evening routine, I am really thankful that I had this night at home with my youngest cubs.  It was exactly what I needed - a few hours of unwinding after a very wound up week/month.  I feel like I was able to catch my breath being at home tonight.   There's nothing better than ending a day tired and happy with unplanned moments of wonderful tucked away in your heart.

My favorite superhero

Endings and beginnings

Tomorrow 

is the 

LAST day 

of school for:

and

the

LAST day 

of just the

two of us

Today was the 

LAST full day of 

elementary school for

the LAST day 

of 

Kindergarten for

the LAST day 

of 3rd grade for

 the

LAST day 

of just hanging out 

without his sisters

the 

LAST time

for this walk up the hill to the van 

with the 3 girls

It has been such a great school year for all of the kids.  We are ready for summer, for a break, for change, for fun.  

It's a happy ending, wrapping up the school year.  

Now we are looking forward to the happy beginning of vacation! 

Welcome Summer!

Weekend recap

Weekend splendor.  We've had it.  It began on Friday night with a dance recital by the 3 girlies.  They danced so beautifully. It was fun to see what they've learned over the year that they have been in dance.  Meredith with her ballet, Marky and Maddie with their hip-hop.  My heart was filled with mama-pride to watch them dance, knowing that there were nerves, butterflies, and hesitation involoved.  Pushing through performance anxiety, the girls bopped and twirled their dances with joy, enthusiasm and concentration.  It was a beautiful night.

Saturday morning I slept in (yay!), and then we all went to a local nursery to get some plants for the yard.  Patrick had some birthday $$ that we spent on the yard. We had the best time picking out plants, veggies, and flowers for our yard, and then we came home and started putting it all out.  The kids love to help Daddy and I in the yard, getting themselves mixed up in the dirt and grass.  Michael and Maddie especially enjoy being right by our sides, digging and watering quicker than we can give directions.

 

Saturday evening, the big girls had friends over to play and spend the night.  The girls that came over were such sweeties.  It was really fun to have a house-full of them!!  Michael and Daddy were for sure outnumbered on this night.  Lots of giggles, lots of squeals, lots of late night whispers.  So cute and so fun, and SO MUCH ENERGY!!!  How in the world they stayed up as late as they did... whew.   

The last of our weekend activities was to go see the new Shrek movie.  We saw it in 3D, which cost so much I had a momentary thought of exchanging one of the kids for our tickets.  They wouldn't have it... the kid or the bored, theater employee.  Yowzers!!  The tickets were 8.75 a piece!!  For a 2:00 show!!!  CRAZY.    It was worth it though, to spend time together, I suppose :).  We don't really go to the movies as a family very often, so it was a fun splurge. 

That ties up our fun weekend.  It was nearly perfect.  

 Now on to the last week of school.  Every day is filled with a different activity.  I am going to need to get some extra sleep for all of it!!!  That and maybe some kleenex too.  I never like to see things end.  Weekends or school years.  **big sigh** So thankful to get to spend both with the ones I love so much.

Backyard Beautiful

The lilacs scented the air like sprayed perfume.

The coffee tasted like comfort and perfection, a hint of vanilla, laced with warmth.

The doves nesting in our trees serenaded me with their morning coos.

The promise of a warm weather,

the potential of beautiful things,

both experienced in my backyard. 

What a blessing the morning was. 

New mercies,  and a new day.

Party time

So, I know that I am not the Pioneer Woman, but I made her chocolate cake tonight for Patrick's birthday celebration tomorrow.  After our party guests taste this delectable feast, I might be mistaken for the queen of cuisine!!  Burritos, cake, guac., salsa... yummy stuff in store to celebrate the man of the house's 42nd big day.  He was gone on his birthday, so we have had to wait to party it up with our favorite Daddy.  Happy *late-ish* birthday, honey.   You bring so much goodness to our home and family.  I love you.